Since
the collapse of Stalinism in Eastern Europe
the whole region has become a field of investment for western capital. Austria has
invested big time in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Now however all the
contradictions are mounting up and from a source of stability the region could
become a source of instability. Here we provide a brief comment on the economic situation of the CEE region.

On Saturday the "Der
Funke" Marxist tendency organised a big event with Trotsky's grandson, Esteban
Volkov, as special guest, to commemorate and celebrate the 90th anniversary of
the 1917 Russian Revolution. Around 200 people came to listen to the speeches in
defence of "Red October" and between 400-500 celebrated all night long at the
party that was organised after the meeting.

The Socialist
Youth of Linz plans to dissolve two of its branches by the end of August. The
obvious reason is the political work that the comrades, most of them activists
of the Marxist current Der Funke,
have developed for almost a decade. We urge all our supporters and readers to
sign the solidarity appeal and speak out against bureaucratic manoeuvres
against political opponents.

May Day in Austria was a bit different this
year. Participation was lower than usual, and the mood was distinctly
different. Many came to demonstrate their anger at the behaviour of the Social
Democratic Party in the coalition government, and expressed their solidarity
with the comrades recently expelled from the Socialist Youth.

After great successes in the Socialist Youth
organisation of the Social Democratic Party of Austria, supporters of Der
Funke have come under attack inside the youth organisation. The bureaucracy
of the party as well as the youth organisation have employed the worst
bureaucratic methods to attack the Marxists, in an attempt to stop the spread
of Marxist ideas. Please support our campaign against expulsions by sending
letters of protest.

The Austrian labour movement and Social
Democratic Party have been rocked by a scandal. After months of promises, the
SPÖ jettisoned its central election promises in order to join a coalition
government with the bourgeois People's Party. The betrayal
of the leadership of the party has become the focal point in the formation of a
left opposition within the party.